Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary

Location:

South-west of Munger District

Main Attractions:

Tigers, Panthers, Wild Boars, Sloth Bear, Sambar Deer

Best Time to Visit:

November to April

Occupying an area of about 682 sq km, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary is located in the south-west of Munger District of Bihar. The sanctuary falls to the south of the river Ganges and is at a distance of 56 km from Munger. Besides being famous for its wildlife, the place is also well accounted for its hot water springs. These hot springs are basically found at the valley portion and the foothills of Bhimbandh.

Interestingly, these hot springs have the same temperature, ranging from about 52 degree to 65 degree, all year around, with nominal seasonal fluctuations. The hot springs at Bhimbandh are said to contain traces of radioactive matter. Apart from the sanctuary, there are many tourist places near Bhimbandh that are worth visiting. These include Rishikund, Ha-Ha Punch Kumari, Rameshwar Kund, Kharagpur Lake, Sringrishi etc.

Flora
Lying in the famous Kharagpur range, Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary boasts of a very rich and varied fauna. In fact, the flora here is quite distinctive when compared with the other sanctuaries in Bihar. As you move across the sanctuary, you will find the vegetation comprising of Sal, Kend, Semal and creepers belonging to different classifications.

Fauna and Avifauna
The main animals found at Bhimbandh Wildlife Sanctuary are tigers, panthers, wild boars, sloth bear, sambar deer, chitals, four-horned anteope and nilgais. However, the sanctuary is more famous for its bird life rather than the land animals. It is home to more than 100 species of resident birds, which stay here all year around. The number increases in the migratory season i.e. during the winters, when there is an influx of birds from the Central Asia region.